Can you tell this from the real thing? At Graphic Impact, our digital printing capabilities are so vivid and precise, they blur the line between reality and reproduction. One of our standout projects was the life-sized goalie display we fabricated for the Tucson Roadrunners. Printed on durable Gator Board and routed to match the outline of the player, this display became an instant sensation with fans—and a magnet for photos.

How the Tucson Roadrunners Promotion Came to Life

When the Tucson Roadrunners approached us with a creative challenge—to develop a crowd-engaging display that felt immersive and fun—we knew we had the perfect solution. Using high-resolution imagery, we printed the goalie on Gator Board, a lightweight yet extremely rigid substrate ideal for indoor displays. The print was then precision-cut to match the shape of the goalie using our CNC routing equipment, resulting in a realistic, 3D effect that was visually stunning.

The piece was placed at the entrance of the arena, drawing a constant stream of fans eager to take selfies and group photos. The result? A simple yet powerful branding tool that delivered immediate engagement, extended reach on social media, and long-term brand recognition.

Why Gator Board Is Ideal for Indoor Displays

Gator Board is a favorite material for professional indoor signage and promotional graphics. It offers several key benefits:

• Lightweight and Portable: Easy to transport and set up, even for large formats.
• Rigid and Durable: Unlike foam core, Gator Board resists warping and denting.
• High-Definition Printing Surface: Provides a smooth, bright white surface for full-color digital printing.
• Cost-Effective: Ideal for short- to medium-term promotional displays without sacrificing quality.

For events, trade shows, or sports promotions like this one, Gator Board strikes the perfect balance between professional quality and affordability.

Custom Shaped Prints That Stand Out

One of the standout features of this project was the custom shape. Traditional rectangular signage can be effective, but when you want something memorable, contour cutting takes your display to the next level. Using advanced digital routing equipment, we followed the outline of the goalie image down to the finest detail—including gloves, pads, and even the hockey stick. The result was a cutout so realistic, fans couldn’t wait to pose next to it.

These shaped signs aren’t just for sports—they’re perfect for life-sized cutouts of mascots, brand ambassadors, celebrities, or even products. At Graphic Impact, we create everything from photo backdrops to corporate mascots using the same technology.

Creating an Engaging Fan Experience

The Tucson Roadrunners display did more than just look great—it helped create a lasting fan experience. People of all ages lined up for photos, which were then shared on social media with tags and hashtags related to the event. This organic exposure extended the team’s branding well beyond the arena walls. Promotions like these help build deeper fan loyalty and engagement while offering sponsors and advertisers added value.

Perfect for Events, Trade Shows, and Retail Displays

Our printed and shaped Gator Board displays are perfect for more than just sports teams. They’re widely used at:

• Corporate trade show booths
• Retail environments and window displays
• Concerts and live entertainment venues
• University campuses and athletic facilities
• Local business promotions and product launches

Whether you need a single life-size figure or a whole gallery of interactive cutouts, our team at Graphic Impact can turn your vision into a reality quickly and affordably.

Graphic Impact: Local Printing with a National Reach

We’ve been serving the Southern Arizona community since 1989. From the University of Arizona to professional sports teams like the Tucson Roadrunners, we take pride in supporting local organizations with cutting-edge print technology and unmatched customer service. But our capabilities go far beyond the region. With our fast turnaround and expert design team, we can ship large-format displays and shaped prints nationwide.

Design, Print, and Finish All Under One Roof

What sets Graphic Impact apart is that we do everything in-house. From the initial design consultation to printing, cutting, and finishing, we control every step of the process. This allows us to maintain high quality standards, fast lead times, and cost efficiency. Whether you bring us your own artwork or collaborate with our creative team, your project is in expert hands from start to finish.

Bring Your Brand to Life with Graphic Impact

There’s no better way to make your event, promotion, or business stand out than with life-size custom prints. The Tucson Roadrunners goalie display is just one of many examples where print can become an interactive experience. Fans didn’t just walk past this sign—they stopped, smiled, snapped photos, and shared. That’s what powerful signage does: it connects with people and leaves an impression.

Ready to make your brand unforgettable? Contact Graphic Impact today and let us help you design something spectacular.

📞 Call us at: (520) 795-7446
📍 Visit us: 5440 East Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ
🌐 Learn more: www.graphic-impact.com

Graphic Impact — Where Big Ideas Come to Life.